Simplified Festive Chicken Salad

A vibrant and refreshing appetizer of tender chicken salad, bright fruits, and crunchy nuts, served in crisp lettuce cups—perfect for festive gatherings.

This recipe quickly became a favorite at my holiday parties because it is easy to prepare and always impresses guests.

Ingredients

• Chicken & Salad: 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded, 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped, 1/2 cup red grapes, halved, 1/4 cup dried cranberries, 1/4 cup toasted pecans or walnuts, roughly chopped, 2 spring onions, thinly sliced
• Dressing: 1/3 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon honey, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, Salt and pepper, to taste
• For Serving: 6 large lettuce leaves (e.g., butter lettuce or romaine), Fresh parsley or dill, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Rinse produce, clean cookware, and fill pots smoothly with flexible spray options for everyday cooking.

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Step 1:

In a large bowl, combine the chicken, celery, grapes, cranberries, nuts, and spring onions.

Step 2:

In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, honey, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.

Step 3:

Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and toss gently to coat evenly.

Step 4:

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 5:

Spoon the chicken salad evenly into the lettuce leaves to form individual cups.

Step 6:

Garnish with fresh parsley or dill, if desired. Serve immediately.

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My family always enjoys sharing these fresh salad cups together during festive occasions.

Notes

For extra flavor, add a pinch of curry powder or smoked paprika to the dressing. Substitute rotisserie chicken for convenience. Serve as a light lunch or as part of a festive appetizer spread.

Required Tools

Large mixing bowl, small mixing bowl, whisk or fork, sharp knife, cutting board, spoon

Nutritional Information

Calories: 180, Total Fat: 10 g, Carbohydrates: 9 g, Protein: 13 g (per cup)

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Rinse produce, fill pots, and clean cookware easily with flexible spray options for everyday cooking tasks.

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This chicken salad cup recipe is a simple yet elegant addition to any festive menu.

Recipe FAQs

→ What lettuce types work best for the cups?

Butter lettuce or romaine leaves are ideal as they are sturdy enough to hold the filling while offering a crisp texture.

→ Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking fresh chicken?

Yes, rotisserie chicken is a convenient substitute that saves preparation time without compromising flavor.

→ How can I make this dish nut-free?

Replace pecans or walnuts with toasted seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds for a crunchy, nut-free alternative.

→ Is the dressing adjustable for different tastes?

Absolutely, you can add spices like curry powder or smoked paprika to enrich the dressing's flavor profile.

→ What occasions suit this dish best?

This colorful chicken and fruit combination works wonderfully as a festive appetizer or a light lunch option for gatherings.

→ Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, the ingredients used are naturally gluten-free, making it a safe choice for those avoiding gluten.